FULL MEB, next IPEB...

Team,

Current AD AF, Recently I recieved the FULL MEB recommendation from HQ AFPC. The next step in the process is to gather all of the pertinent docs with a suspense of SEP 25 for the IPEB.

With that information, I have a few questions.

What is my timeline looking next?

Anyone going through/completed these steps recently and can explain the IPEB during these COVID times?
How long is this IPEB taking these days? I'm overseas, are C&P still continued, are they T-Con?

I am looking for expectation management, as I have not recieved any updates as of lately.

Any responses are much appreciated.
 

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Team,

Current AD AF, Recently I recieved the FULL MEB recommendation from HQ AFPC. The next step in the process is to gather all of the pertinent docs with a suspense of SEP 25 for the IPEB.

With that information, I have a few questions.

What is my timeline looking next?

Anyone going through/completed these steps recently and can explain the IPEB during these COVID times?
How long is this IPEB taking these days? I'm overseas, are C&P still continued, are they T-Con?

I am looking for expectation management, as I have not recieved any updates as of lately.

Any responses are much appreciated.
Depending on where you are overseas I know that most C&P's are either cancelled for the time being, or are being performed by contracted doctors (at a limited capacity) depending on what you claim. I was only able to get three exams, one virtual and two in person. I ended up cancelling the two in person and went with LDES.

In terms of the IPEB, I went with LDES (legacy) so this may be different for you. My narsum, IMR, and other forms were gathered over 2 weeks by my PEBLO and when it got to the IPEB they made a determination within three days. I basically had it submitted on a Friday and got the results on Tuesday, but notified on Monday. Going through IDES, and needing the VA appointments and ratings will probably put your timeline for getting a full picture of ratings behind until at least the beginning of next year according to my PEBLO.
 
Depending on where you are overseas I know that most C&P's are either cancelled for the time being, or are being performed by contracted doctors (at a limited capacity) depending on what you claim. I was only able to get three exams, one virtual and two in person. I ended up cancelling the two in person and went with LDES.

In terms of the IPEB, I went with LDES (legacy) so this may be different for you. My narsum, IMR, and other forms were gathered over 2 weeks by my PEBLO and when it got to the IPEB they made a determination within three days. I basically had it submitted on a Friday and got the results on Tuesday, but notified on Monday. Going through IDES, and needing the VA appointments and ratings will probably put your timeline for getting a full picture of ratings behind until at least the beginning of next year according to my PEBLO.
Thanks for taking time to respond to my post. I am currently committing to the IDES versus LDES, only b/c I dont want to do this process after I get out. Currently OCONUS/PACAF and hoping that there are some sort of call-in appts or contracted docs w/n some of the local bases.
Was the COVID delay the reason you committed to LDES, if you don't mind sharing?
I'm crossing my fingers once everything is submitted to the IPEB, I get the Med Ret/Med Sep decision quickly.
At this point I just don't want to end up being stuck in this process for an entire year, or months past my DOS/DEROS...
thanks again
 
Thanks for taking time to respond to my post. I am currently committing to the IDES versus LDES, only b/c I dont want to do this process after I get out. Currently OCONUS/PACAF and hoping that there are some sort of call-in appts or contracted docs w/n some of the local bases.
Was the COVID delay the reason you committed to LDES, if you don't mind sharing?
I'm crossing my fingers once everything is submitted to the IPEB, I get the Med Ret/Med Sep decision quickly.
At this point I just don't want to end up being stuck in this process for an entire year, or months past my DOS/DEROS...
thanks again

No problem at all, I want to help as much as I am able to and especially during this COVID time it's very difficult to get information.

So first I am very unsure of PACAF, but I do know that usually they fly you back CONUS for exams I'm not sure if this is the case but everyone I know who is in that area went back to California typically to get their exams done and then went back to wait for a decision.

Second, yep pretty much. I was waiting for over a year for my MEB to actually "kick in" and when it did COVID also chose to show up. I waited at 6 months for exams and only got one, after the re-opening or somewhat anyway I got two more and decided that it wasn't worth another year sitting in limbo at the same base waiting for the VA.

Finally, I really hope your case moves the way you want it to. Everyone is different and each is very hard to predict or say what will happen, especially during a time like this with all the closures and delays. My PEBLO told me simply that getting all my C&P's done would take at least until the beginning of next year, and that is just their very round estimate so they can give people a timeline. Aside from that, you will need to expect the worst and as much as it sucks you will probably be stuck in place past your DEROS/ DOS while going through IDES at this point. The biggest hurdle to get over is the VA exams, the DOD side of things (at least AF wise) is moving fairly quick right now. If you want any more information I'll gladly answer.
 
Plan on waiting. The process is slow and with COVID, even slower. All the local civilian docs are back to work, the VA is still slow rolling.
 
No problem at all, I want to help as much as I am able to and especially during this COVID time it's very difficult to get information.

So first I am very unsure of PACAF, but I do know that usually they fly you back CONUS for exams I'm not sure if this is the case but everyone I know who is in that area went back to California typically to get their exams done and then went back to wait for a decision.

Second, yep pretty much. I was waiting for over a year for my MEB to actually "kick in" and when it did COVID also chose to show up. I waited at 6 months for exams and only got one, after the re-opening or somewhat anyway I got two more and decided that it wasn't worth another year sitting in limbo at the same base waiting for the VA.

Finally, I really hope your case moves the way you want it to. Everyone is different and each is very hard to predict or say what will happen, especially during a time like this with all the closures and delays. My PEBLO told me simply that getting all my C&P's done would take at least until the beginning of next year, and that is just their very round estimate so they can give people a timeline. Aside from that, you will need to expect the worst and as much as it sucks you will probably be stuck in place past your DEROS/ DOS while going through IDES at this point. The biggest hurdle to get over is the VA exams, the DOD side of things (at least AF wise) is moving fairly quick right now. If you want any more information I'll gladly
 
Well again I do appreciate the thorough insight. Now that brings up my newest question,
when will I have the formal decision of IDES vs LDES?..
Recieving the F4L (AFPC Recommendation for Full MEB) is the latest black n white update as of yet. (the only reason i found that out was by randomly checking my med records via tricare online)

i wonder if it is possible to OPT out of this IDES and hop over to the LDES, to just be done with all of this nonsense... techincally i wouldve been on terminal leave by now... kinda of frustrating
 
Well again I do appreciate the thorough insight. Now that brings up my newest question,
when will I have the formal decision of IDES vs LDES?..
Recieving the F4L (AFPC Recommendation for Full MEB) is the latest black n white update as of yet. (the only reason i found that out was by randomly checking my med records via tricare online)

i wonder if it is possible to OPT out of this IDES and hop over to the LDES, to just be done with all of this nonsense... techincally i wouldve been on terminal leave by now... kinda of frustrating
Yes, totally possible. That's exactly what I did, I was in IDES and was completely fed up. I talked to my PEBLO and now here I am one month later and one week away from getting orders. I don't recommend it if you can stick it out, but for me so far it was a smooth process that only required me to talk to legal and my PEBLO constantly for updates.
 
Yes, totally possible. That's exactly what I did, I was in IDES and was completely fed up. I talked to my PEBLO and now here I am one month later and one week away from getting orders. I don't recommend it if you can stick it out, but for me so far it was a smooth process that only required me to talk to legal and my PEBLO constantly for updates.
yeah, thats totally understandable. things is DEROS and DOS are next month.... I will most likely hold off for now and assess the process around the MEB to PEB suspense and make a decision then....I cant imagine having to continue doing monotonous work, while awaiting my med results... thing is, Im ready to transition after all this time serving honorably..
 
Team,

Current AD AF, Recently I recieved the FULL MEB recommendation from HQ AFPC. The next step in the process is to gather all of the pertinent docs with a suspense of SEP 25 for the IPEB.

With that information, I have a few questions.

What is my timeline looking next?

Anyone going through/completed these steps recently and can explain the IPEB during these COVID times?
How long is this IPEB taking these days? I'm overseas, are C&P still continued, are they T-Con?

I am looking for expectation management, as I have not recieved any updates as of lately.

Any responses are much appreciated.
Again.. after reading the AFI 36-3212... The IPEB is to make a decision within 11 calendar days of receiving the MEB.

Does this mean doing the IPEB, I will receive a determination and rating without being seen in person? Am I understanding the AFI 36-3212 correctly?

Or will I still expect the next step to be examinations... would that be the FPEB next?
 

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Good on you for all of the research you’ve done, but I kindly ask that you throw all timelines you’ve read about out of the window. COVID and backlogs have destroyed timelines. If you want out, now and fast, go LDES. If you have additional time, energy and patience, go IDES. We’re in the same boat though. I was already supposed to have separated from active duty and I feel as if I’m withering away here, BUT in the long run, IDES and the potential medical ret/sep would be beneficial for me. I also don’t want to deal with the VA process on my own by going through LDES.

To answer your question, yes. The IPEB is a paper file review, which is why the VA C&P, your NARSUM and entire MEB package (CC Impact Statement as well) is important. If you are unhappy with the decision from the IPEB when that time comes for you, can you present before the FPEB to appeal.

My question to you though: what is your intended outcome and what are your referred conditions?
 
Good on you for all of the research you’ve done, but I kindly ask that you throw all timelines you’ve read about out of the window. COVID and backlogs have destroyed timelines. If you want out, now and fast, go LDES. If you have additional time, energy and patience, go IDES. We’re in the same boat though. I was already supposed to have separated from active duty and I feel as if I’m withering away here, BUT in the long run, IDES and the potential medical ret/sep would be beneficial for me. I also don’t want to deal with the VA process on my own by going through LDES.

To answer your question, yes. The IPEB is a paper file review, which is why the VA C&P, your NARSUM and entire MEB package (CC Impact Statement as well) is important. If you are unhappy with the decision from the IPEB when that time comes for you, can you present before the FPEB to appeal.

My question to you though: what is your intended outcome and what are your referred conditions?
in short, to answer your question. Med Ret. and going in for my Arthritic Elbow Joint, after surgery with no further options... also, I have yet to read in black n white what my actual condition is being MEB'd. What form would that be clearly written out on?
 
That shows would you could get for your condition. On my RILO paperwork is where my specific condition was written.
 
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